Italian Culture II: From the Sixties to the Present Day To deepen the historical knowledge gained in ITAL 0251, we will discuss and analyze modern and contemporary Italian literature of various genres, as well as essays, art, and film. In the context of reading, critical viewing, textual analysis, and discussion, we will continue to develop both historical and linguistic competence. Discussion and the writing process, along with selected exercises, will continue to refine grammatical competence.

Literary Feasts: Representations of Food in Modern Narrative (in English) This course will consider food and eating practices within specific cultural and historical contexts. We will analyze realistic, symbolic, religious, erotic, and political functions surrounding the preparation and consumption of food. Readings will be drawn from several national traditions, with a focus on Europe. Authors will include, among others, I. Dinesen, L. Esquivel, J. Harris, E. Hemingway, T. Lampedusa, P. Levi, C. Petrini, M. Pollan, E. Vittorini, and B. Yoshimoto. Viewing of several films where food and eating play an important role will supplement class discussion.

Fifty Shades of Italy: an Exploration of Contemporary Italian History, Culture and Society Italy is the land of a seductive culture that for centuries has inspired undeniable romanticism and continues to capture the imagination of many. But there is more to Italy than beautiful landscapes and world famous cuisine. From the darkness of fascism and terrorism, to the sophisticated colors of Italian fashion and design, to the dramatic tones of illegal immigration, we will explore, discover, or critically revisit the many shades that together compose the complexity of the Italian mosaic.  Our interdisciplinary approach will include short stories, essays, newspaper articles, films, music, and images.

The Power of Words: Debating Global Issues in Italian In this course we will use the pedagogy of debate to develop advanced competency in Italian but also to work on skills that can be applied beyond the classroom, like public speaking, engaged listening, productive dissent, and teamwork. We will study in depth opposite sides of controversial, globally relevant issues, such as: environment vs. economy; immigration vs. national security; cultural preservation vs. diversity; technology/social media vs. privacy; Humanities vs. STEM. Through a variety of preparatory activities, scaffolding exercises, and contextualized vocabulary we will work toward writing about, discussing, and finally debating the issues considered in each module.

Beginning Italian II  This course is a continuation of ITAL 0101, and emphasizes spoken and written Italian and the mastery of more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students continue to work with conversation partners, but will also incorporate more specific cultural references in oral presentations and in written assignments.  Students attend the Italian table and mandatory film screenings.

Beginning Italian  This course is an introduction to the Italian language that provides a foundation in both spoken and written Italian. Focus on the spoken language encourages rapid mastery of the basic structures and vocabulary of contemporary Italian. The exclusive use of Italian in dialogue situations and vocabulary building encourages the student to develop skills in a personalized context. Conversation and drill are stimulated and fostered through active reference to popular Italian music, authentic props, and slides of Italian everyday life and culture. Students are required to participate in the Italian table. 6 hrs. disc./perf.; 2 hrs. screen

An Introduction to Contemporary Italy  Intended for students at the intermediate level, this course will afford the opportunity to expand conversation, writing, and reading skills while consolidating knowledge of the more difficult points of grammar. The contextual focus of the course is contemporary Italian culture, including contemporary history and politics, the economy, the division between North and South, immigration from developing countries, environmental issues, and popular music, among others. Italian films, music, and articles from newspapers and news magazines will enhance and complete the learning experience.

Sandra Carletti

Reviews and ratings for Sandra Carletti at Middlebury College.Sandra Carletti teaches Italian Culture: Fascism-Pres, Literary Feasts, Fifty Shades of Italy and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Sandra Carletti good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Quite literally, the best class I have taken at Middlebury. Sandra is a fantastic teacher, and I felt that this class made me actually enjoy reading. The books we read were excellent, and I learnt a lot about literature, food, culture, and community... 10/10 experience, wish I could retake this class. 

This wasn't a great course teaching-wise, the professor was quite passionate about the subject, however it her leading questions often felt very confusing and whenever I answered she always wanted more information, maybe this was my fault, however I did read the texts and it was tough to figure out what specific answer she was asking for. We also had a quite a few books assigned to read in one week. I also felt that the course was very Eurocentric, and while there were two weeks that focusses on no-white foods, those weeks didn't come until the very end of the semester. Overall, a very confusing and somewhat restrictive class.

It was endless reading. I dont now how you are supposed to do all of that while taking 3 other classes that are more important towards my actual major. That being said it wasnt super boring just useless